The cost of living in Cyprus

Everyday spending in Cyprus is usually somewhat lower than in other Western European countries or in Russian megacities. It is also worth noting that among the settlements of this country, the level of expenses in Limassol, the second largest city in the country, which is a major economic, cultural, financial and resort center of Cyprus, will be higher than in other cities.

The daily life of Cyprus was directly or indirectly affected by the banking crisis that shook the country in 2013, and the measures that the European Union introduced in exchange for receiving an international loan. Changes in the country's economy provoked not only a reduction in wages and an increase in the unemployment rate, but also led to a noticeable increase in living expenses. Now prices in Cyprus can be considered attractive only for residents of countries with strong economies. But a lot will also depend on where exactly you are - the cost of goods in developed resort areas is much higher than the prices of similar goods that can be purchased in the interior of the island. 

The main tourist regions of Cyprus are coastal resort towns: Larnaca, Paphos, Limassol, Ayia Napa. Due to the lack of sea, the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, is the only capital divided by two states today, and is not of particular interest for foreigners to live. Prices in Nicosia are at the level of major Russian cities.

Limassol is considered the most popular among Russians and at the same time the most expensive city in Cyprus. Data from an Insider Magazine study published in 2021 confirms this again. The main reason is the tangible rent and high prices for apartments. Now, if you do not take into account expenses for the purchase or rental of housing, expenses for a family of four people amount to 2,620 euros in Limassol, 2,617 euros in Nicosia, 2,410 euros in Larnaca and 2,090 euros in Paphos. The study analyzed average restaurant bills, supermarket receipts, monthly utility bills, transportation costs, sports, recreation and schooling and kindergarten attendance.

Product prices

Food prices in Cyprus are not the lowest in the European Union. However, it all depends on the location of the store, the proximity of popular tourist spots and the current season. But the products in supermarkets are sure to please with their high quality and rich selection. Many people note the low cost of pork (from 2.5 euros per 1 kg) and very high prices for seafood. The amount spent on the purchase of fruits and vegetables may vary depending on the current harvest.

• Milk (1 l) – 1.5 euros
• Bread – from 1 euro
• Eggs (12 pcs.) – 3 euros
• Cheese (1 kg) – from 3 to 12 euros
• Fruits and vegetables (apples, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes) – 1-2 euros per 1 kg
• Water (1.5 l) – 0.5 euro
• Rice (1 kg) – 2 euros
• Imported beer (0.33 l) – 1.5 euros
• 0.5 liters of Local beer (Keo, Leon) – 1 euro
• A bottle of local wine (Aphrodite, Othello, Thisby) – 5 euros
• A pack of imported cigarettes (Marlboro) – 4.5 euros
• Local cigarettes – 2.7 euros

As for alcoholic beverages when ordering at a bar or restaurant in Cyprus, local and imported beer will cost about 2.5 euros for 0.5 liters, a glass of wine - 2.2 euros, and a good local brandy - 2.5 euros. An average check for two at lunch in a restaurant, consisting of a main course, side dish, dessert and wine, will cost about 40 –50 euros.

Clothing and entertainment

All major chain brands of clothing and footwear are represented in Cyprus, both in the mass market segment and at the luxury level. Buying a regular sweater will cost 25 euros, shorts - 15 euros, jeans - 70 euros, summer dress - 35 euros, sneakers - 70 euros. For more affordable prices on clothes and shoes, it makes sense to go to the pedestrian Ledra Street, which is located in the Old Town in Nicosia. Designer items are best purchased on Makarios Avenue in Nicosia.

The cost of a monthly subscription to a fitness club starts from 50 euros or 550-640 euros per year. The possibility to use the swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, and Jacuzzi will be 75-85 euros per person per month or 650-790 euros per year.

A subscription that includes all the services of the fitness complex (group programs, several free trial workouts with an instructor, gym, sauna, swimming pool, all additional programs, not including visits to the beauty salon and fitness bar) will cost 80-95 euros per person per month. An hour's rent of a tennis court is 11 euros, and one movie ticket is 8 euros.

1 minute of local connection by mobile phone costs 0.09 euros, and for providing unlimited Internet you will have to pay over 30 euros per month.

Real estate rental expenses

On average, in the republic, renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost 500 euros per month. If you rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Limassol for a long term, the monthly fee will be from 600 euros. In Paphos, a similar apartment costs from 400 euros per month, and a long-term rental of a 3-bedroom house with a swimming pool will cost from 800 euros.

Daily rent of apartments in Cyprus resorts costs from 30 to 150 euros, depending on the area, living conditions and distance from the sea.For example, in Paphos, a 2-bedroom apartment in high season costs from 90 euros, in Limassol 100-110 euros per day. For renting a villa by the sea in Limassol, you will have to pay 200-250 euros per day.

Real estate content

Cyprus differs from many European countries primarily in that there is no annual tax on its territory. As for utility bills, they necessarily include maintenance of the house territory. If there is a management company, the cost of services can range from 100 to 500 euros per year. If real estate is an independent object (for example, a villa), then the costs will be fractional: pool maintenance by specialists (150 euros per month), gardener (40 euros once every 3-4 months), disinfection and control service with parasites and rodents (30 euros once every 2-3 months).

Water is paid for by water flow meters. Usually the water costs for three months are 30-35 euros and the water utility bills once every 3 months. Electricity is also paid for using kilowatt meters. On average, electricity costs range from 50 to 150 euros in 2 months and depend not only on the use of light bulbs and electrical appliances, but also on the time of use of air conditioners, heating devices, etc. The electric company issues a bill for the light once every 2 months. Payment for garbage collection is paid once a year. The bill for this service at the end of the year is issued by the municipality of the city in which the property is located and depends on the specific area. On average, the cost of garbage collection is 120-140 euros per year. As for real estate insurance, its cost is from 60 euros per year and above and depends on the insurance package.

Transport

Transportation costs in Cyprus are on average 26.3% higher than in neighboring Greece. A one-time ticket for public transport costs 1.5 euros. A travel card valid for a month will cost 37.5 euros. A taxi ride will cost from 5 euros: 4 euros for boarding, and 1.1 euros for each km of the way. An hour of waiting costs 10.53 euros.

The cost of fuel does not differ from the average European price level, so 1 liter of gasoline in Cyprus costs 1.3-1.4 euros. It is worth remembering that in Cyprus there is left-hand traffic and the steering wheel in the car is located on the right. You can get used to this movement quickly, but you will also have to switch gears with your left hand, so it's better to choose a car with an automatic. The cost of renting a car in Cyprus starts from 15 euros for a car with a manual transmission, with an automatic – 25-35 euros. An SUV will cost 60 euros per day, a convertible 90 euros.

Education

According to the education level index conducted annually by the UN, Cyprus ranks 43rd out of 188 countries studied. And according to the level of national spending on education, the 10th line. Preschool education, which is not compulsory in Cyprus, can be received by children under the age of 5. Kindergartens are divided into public, community (funded by the parent committee) and private. Private gardens, where communication and training is conducted in English, cost 200-300 euros per month. There is also a private Russian kindergarten in Limassol. Staying in it, paying for four meals a day and office supplies will cost parents 150-200 euros per month.

School education in Cyprus can be obtained both in the state(free of charge), and in a private institution. Private schools are present in all major cities of the country (Paphos, Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca), but the curriculum and standard of teaching vary depending on the educational institution. Studying at a prestigious international school costs from 4,000 to 7,000 euros, depending on the class, and reaches up to 13,000 euros per year. About 20% of students in international schools are Russian-speaking.

Of the 7 universities in the republic, 4 are private and 3 are state. There are 5 universities in Nicosia alone. Higher education for non-residents is paid even in state universities. Depending on the university and the chosen specialty, an annual course of study costs from 3000 to 8000 euros. Educational and methodological manuals are paid additionally (400-500 euros per year).

Medical care

Perhaps the only thing that is cheaper in Cyprus than in most EU countries is healthcare. Since only primary medical education can be obtained in the republic, most local doctors undergo internships and practice in clinics in European countries. At the same time, medical care is comparable in prices with similar services in Moscow and St. Petersburg. So, a one-time visit to the doctor will cost 50 euros, and 1 day of hospital stay will cost 150-200 euros. Treatment of one tooth costs 100-200 euros. Emergency medical care is free for everyone.

For one-time tourist visits to the island, it is advisable to have medical insurance. It will also be required to obtain a residence permit. The minimum medical insurance with a limited coverage limit is valid for a year and costs about 300 euros. Family insurance, including ambulance services, tests, hospital stay and treatment, will cost 2,000 euros. Such insurance provides a coverage limit of up to 500,000 euros. Insurance with coverage of up to 2 million euros, including both inpatient and outpatient treatment, costs about 3,500 euros. The insurance program of any category can be paid monthly, and the insurance covers not only the services of a doctor, but also the cost of medicines and medicines.

The editors of the portal thank Elena Pokrovskaya (Cleantis Savva Developers) and Larisa Tarakanova (Pafilia Property Developers) for assistance in preparing the material.

Olga Shoshina, Dinara Gracheva